Barriers to Political Participation of Women with Disabilities

In 2018, Agate Rights Defense Center for Women with Disabilities, a disabled people's organization (DPO) led by women in Armenia, posted an image that includes information on barriers faced by women with disabilities in political participation. The image reflected research done by Agate with support from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The image was originally posted on Agate's Facebook page here.

Challenges that Hinder Poiltical Participation of Women with Disabilities and the Ways to Address Them

Lack of Accessibility of Polling Stations

• Condition of ramps at the poll entrance
• Sufficient door width
• Availability of handrails
• Convenience of polling booths
• Adaptive technologies for persons with different forms of disabilities

Lack of Accessibility of Political Campaigns

• Absense of braille formats
• Subtitles, captions, lack of audio versions
• Lack of sign language translators

The Attitude of the Public

• Stereotypes
• Wrong perceptions on the capacities and skills of persons with disabilities

Lack of Accessibility of Public Transportation

Inaccessible transportation is a core concern for those who have physical disabilities, hampering their right:

• to reach polling stations
• participate in demonstrations
• conduct one's personal political campaign

Non-inclusive Legislation

• The absense of quotas for women with disabilities

Social Conditions

• Lack of workplaces
• Low pensions
• Free transport

Lack of Self-Confidence of Women with Disabilities

The lack of self-confidence of persons with disabilities stemmed from their:

• lack of opportunities for education or preparation
• treatment y their community
• not being socially included